Prodigy "H.N.I.C"

Posted on 11.14.2000

Prodigy
Album: H.N.I.C.
Release Date: Nov 14, 2000
Label: Relativity

Review:

Although H.N.I.C. is billed as Prodigy’s solo debut, it’s liberally peppered with guest appearances. Mobb Deep’s infamous one chose, with the exception of Cash Money Millionaire B.G., to rely on folks of Queens pedigree. His borough loyalty gives H.N.I.C. a polished yet organic-sounding edge on today’s crop of industry-endorsed thugs. The bulk of H.N.I.C’s subject matter scores few points for originality, but no one speaks to corner-hustling shorty rocks as clearly as P. Standout tracks in the Mobbphonic vein include "Infamous Minded." Featuring Big Noyd, the song references BDP’s "Criminal Minded" and is pushed over the top by a badass reggae-tinged beat. Havoc contributes both lyrical and rhythmic support; his beat on "Wanna Be Thugs" proves why he’s the production don of Queensbridge. Getting past the gun talk and guest appearances, "You Never Feel My Pain," which unflinchingly details P’s battle with sickle cell anemia, is a hardcore analysis of the artist’s frame of reference for daily living. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Track Listings:
1. Bars & Hooks (Intro)
2. Genesis
3. Drive Thru (Skit)
4. Rock Dat
5. What U Rep
6. Keep It Thoro
7. Can’t Complain
8. Infamous Minded - Big Noyd
9. Wanna Be Thugs
10. Three - Cormega
11. Delt w/ The Bull
12. Trials of Love
13. H.N.I.C.
14. Be Cool (Skit)
15. Veteran’s Memorial
16. Do It
17. Littles (Skit)
18. Y.B.E.
19. Diamond
20. Gun Play